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Paraguay vs Italy - 2010 FIFA World Cup Post Match Analysis

Matias Vulej, June 15 2010,
The world champion could keep the crown on their head against Charrua's furious attempts. Having the upper hand during the first half of the game, Tata Martino's players could hardly stand against the finesse of the Italians.

A furious clash was expected to take place this Monday to inaugurate Group F's games, and it certainly did. Gerardo Martino's strategy worked wonders during the first 45 minutes, stopping every Italian attempt to score. Justo Villar provided the needed security between the posts, but he was indeed responsible for Italy's goal. Luckily for Paraguay he did not lose his confidence and his gloves stopped every ball Italy sent during the last minutes, taking full advantage of the prowess of their gunners. This way Italy was saved from a stunning debut, for Antolin Alcarez gave the Albirroja the victory at the end of the first period. Karmic balance for Paraguay's goalkeeper, who saved as well as doomed his team.

 


Bridge over troubled water

The heavy rain that fell over the stadium called for a game of many mistakes and unpredictable passes, which deeply complicated Italy's classic strategy. Most of the players couldn't perceive the exact trajectory of the ball, thus making a very difficult game both for the referee and the players. Mauro Camoranesi should have seen the red card when he caught Morel from the back. In spite of the many aggressions, the game was from the very beginning on Italy's hands (57% of the time the ball was on their feet).

The first minutes showed both teams struggling to find themselves in the midfield. Riccardo Montolivo had the heavy burden of standing in Andrea Pirlo's position, and much of Italy's strategy was depending on his finesse. Nevertheless, from the 21st minute it was made clear Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alberto Gilardino were on their own, as Montolivo appeared to be determined to make poor decisions, something that could only change once Marcelo Lippi called up Mauro Camoranesi to strengthen middle field's creation.

It came out of the sky

The Squadra Azzurra tried to break through Martino's sturdy formation, but nothing seemed to work against this stubborn Charruas. On minute 39 Aureliano Torres brilliantly executed a free kick to the middle of the area: Antolin Alcarez jumped higher than any other player and allowed the Albirroja to finish the first half dreaming with a victory. From that moment on Gerardo Martino tried to slow game's pace, but violence is never the answer: The 15 faults committed in the game show how hard was for Martino to stop Italy's creativity.

Another free kick gave the second goal: On the 15 minute of the second half Italy got a corner kick. Justo Villar made a disastrous attempt to catch the ball and failed, leaving Paraguay's goal unprotected. Daniele De Rossi's natural instinct for the net allowed Italy to even the score, just when the game was entering its last stage. The goal allowed Italy players to recover their confidence, and the last half hour was a nightmare for the American squad.

This draw might have been ideal for New Zealand and Slovakia, who might now claim to the top and get one step closer to enter for the first time a deeper stage of this competition. Lucas Barrios failed for the first time as a striker in the Charruas, will Roque Santa Cruz recover his place for Slovakia's game?

 

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